Police: Checks forged in elected officials names

GRETNA, LA (WVUE) - A man and woman were arrested after allegedly forging checks to take money from elected officials and companies.

According to the Gretna Police Department, officers found blank check paper, a printer, a computer and a disc with information on how to print checks on it in a hotel room 54-year-old Harold James and 32-year-old Shanta Jackson were staying in.

Police also found forged checks printed with other company names on them and forged checks from elected officials, several of which had already been cashed.

Police found the items in their hotel room after James and Jackson consented to the search according to a release from the Gretna Police Department.

Gretna police say the alleged forgery took place in Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish and Plaquemines Parish.

James is charged with 10 counts of Forgery, four counts of Monetary Instrument Abuse, Possession of Marijuana, two warrants issued by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office for Monetary Instrument Abuse, two warrants issued by the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office for Monetary Instrument Abuse and a warrant issued by the U.S. Marshall's Office for tax evasion.

Jackson is charges with 10 counts of Forgery, four counts of Monetary Instrument Abuse, Possession of Marijuana and a warrant issued by the U.S. Marshall for tax evasion.

The investigation is ongoing and police expect more charges to be filed.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the City of Gretna Police Department at 504-363-1700 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 504-822-1111.